About LASIK & Post LASIK Ectasia

As a whole, LASIK or laser vision correction is generally safe, effective, and the few negative side effects that do occur are usually rare and temporary. However, there is an occasional incidence of post LASIK ectasia. Post LASIK ectasia is a corneal distortion or irregularity which causes the cornea to weaken and bulge. The likelihood or risks of post LASIK ectasia increase with a thin cornea.

In general, most LASIK surgeons today have improved reporting & diagnostics through corneal topographers. These instruments can map the cornea and measure its thickness to ensure better results from any laser vision correction. While the prospects are good for LASIK candidates, eye complications can — and continue to — happen. This is where our doctors at The Scleral Lens Clinic At Gaddie Eye Centers enter the picture.

Scleral Lenses For Post-LASIK, Post-PRK, And Post-RK Surgery

In the event that a patient underwent LASIK surgery — or PRK or RK — and eye complications developed, scleral lenses are the ideal option to provide clear and comfortable vision. Through the use of a rigid or hard lens design, scleral lens correct your vision while leaving the cornea’s sensitive surface untouched and protected. Scleral lenses allow for enhanced visibility to a scleral lens wearer while preventing the cornea irregularity from worsening.

Post-LASIK, Post-PRK, & Post-RK patients with any eye complications often have poor, distorted vision. They can no longer wear standard contact lenses due to their sensitive cornea. Attempting to wear soft contact lenses can be extremely painful and damage the cornea. Eye doctors may prescribe rigid gas permeable lenses or even eyeglasses, yet these solutions only partially correct one’s vision. Often with a damaged cornea, patients will struggle to see unless they’re fitted with a specialty contact lens.

Patients With Unhealthy Corneas

Patients with unhealthy corneas can range from poor vision, where they find it difficult to see close and far to nearly blind. Fortunately, scleral lenses are customized hard lenses that solve all of these issues and provide clear vision across all spectrums. For more information about your eye complications post-LASIK surgery, contact for a consultation.

Does Collagen Cross-Linking Correct Post-LASIK Ectasia?

Patients with corneal ectasia due to LASIK surgery are sometimes recommended to undergo collagen cross-linking. Collagen cross-linking is a new advancement in treating advanced cases of keratoconus and diseased corneas, yet this surgery should not be rushed solely based on a surgeon’s recommendation.

Discuss this procedure with for a second opinion. Sharing information about your post Lasik ectasia with our contact lens specialist will offer alternative options to correct your vision. Furthermore, many patients after a collagen cross-linking will still require specialty contact lenses to achieve clear vision. By finding a contact lens specialist in Louisville early on, you’ll have the support and guidance to best treat your vision.

Should I Just Get Another LASIK Surgery in Louisville To Repair My Ectasia?

While some LASIK surgeons promote corrective procedures like Wavefront-guided LASIK or custom Contoured Ablation LASIK, these new technologies that claim to repair vision after a “botched” LASIK surgery are not recommended. Any additional eye surgery, especially when lasers are used, will affect your cornea by making it thinner, more unstable, and at greater risk for further complications.

Unlike a standard laser vision correction that may need a touch-up over a number of years, any corneal irregularity can lead to permanent damage from any further eye surgery. By consulting with a contact lens specialist, you’ll receive expert, unbiased advice. Whether your situation can be solved through a safer alternative or an additional eye surgery is the best course of action, make an informed decision by scheduling a consultation at our office, today.

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Louisville | Springhurst | LaGrange | Carrolton | and the state of Kentucky